Pitchero Non League

....Bradford-based Angel Telecom.

The firm, an independent telecoms business with over 25 years' experience and an established presence in the Bradford business community, have agreed to be the Cobbydalers’ major club and ground sponsor for the next five years, during which time the ground will be known as The Angel Telecom Stadium.

Angel Telecom’s support is not new to the club. They have sponsored the first team kit since 2010 and, over the past few months, Angel have not only sponsored race nights but also training kits for the under-16`s on their ventures into the European junior cup competition in Barcelona the last two summers.

The three directors have strong links with the area. Managing Director Stuart Hudson has more than a small connection with the area, having lived in Steeton and played for Steeton Cricket Club and still turns his arm in the Airedale and Wharfedale Cricket League.

Stuart’s son, Chris, broke into the senior side last season and will hopefully have a part to play in this season’s campaign. Fellow directors, Johann Shepherd and Daniel Farmer live in Silsden and Daniel has a child playing for Silsden Juniors. Johann’s two sons’ first love is karate but the family will be down at the ground on Saturdays.

Stuart Hudson said: “Sponsorship agreements are vital to keep local teams in action which really helps support the game at a grassroots level. Silsden AFC enjoys a lot of local interest with followers from all different age groups who come from far and wide to cheer their team on.

“With our input into the Millennium fund, set up for building and ground maintenance, the grounds’ team hope to create the best playing surface in the area which will ensure the fans enjoy some fantastic matches in the future.”

Daniel Farmer added: “Angel is based in Bradford but we all live locally to Silsden, and a member of staff plays for the club. We also service a significant number of businesses in this area. Everyone at Angel is really looking forward to getting involved on match days and making a series of offers that will benefit the fans. We will also be providing exciting prizes for competitions that we hope will go even further to support the club.

“We can’t wait to see the signs go up at the stadium and are extremely proud to be so closely associated with the club. Roll on the start of the new season!”

Silsden chairman Sean McNulty said: “We have worked together with Angel since our move back to Silsden, as they have, during the last few seasons, supplied and maintained the senior kits. We consider it a privilege to be associated with such a young, go-ahead company and welcome them as our new partners.”

Cobbydalers commercial secretary Barry Thomas, who brokered the deal with Angel and helped mastermind the original move back to Silsden in 2010, said: “We like to offer as well as receive from our sponsors and realise, in the present economic climate, spare money in companies no longer exists.

“It’s all about commitment, both from them and us. Every sponsor, regardless of the amount of sponsorship, enjoys the same welcome on sponsors days and periodic mentions in the twice-monthly newsletter, the web-site and the press.

“Future plans also include regular special discounts on mobile deals for fans and fund raising initiatives that will benefit a local charity or the club itself. Angel’s recycling arm ‘MPRO’ will establish a mobile recycling scheme for the club community encouraging them to donate their old phones and put some cash into club coffers.

“The club aims to increase its already-large contingency of junior teams with additional training and mini pitches and Angel have also agreed to inject finances into the club’s building fund to ensure the proposed expansion programme goes ahead, sooner rather than later.

“The funding, along with our own money raising ventures, will also allow work to be carried out on the main pitch.

“It is hoped, over the years, that the club will also join forces with Angel to raise much-needed funds for the Manorlands Charity and ideas are already in place for the new season.

“All in all, Silsden AFC are proud to be connected with the firm and look forward to playing under the banner of `THE ANGEL TELECOM STADIUM` for the foreseeable future.”

Tags: News | Silsden

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